🍲 Liberian Style Spaghetti 🇱🇷
This vibrant and flavorful dish is a beloved staple in Liberian cuisine, combining spaghetti with a medley of spices, vegetables, and optional proteins for a delightful meal.
🌍 What Is Liberian Style Spaghetti?
Liberian style spaghetti is a unique twist on traditional pasta, infused with local flavors and ingredients. It often includes a variety of vegetables, spices, and proteins like shrimp and sausages, making it a hearty and satisfying dish enjoyed by many.
🧾 Ingredients
**Base:**
- 1 box spaghetti
- 1 habanero pepper
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 boiled eggs (to be added later)
- 1 Vita cube (or any seasoning cube)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Adobo seasoning (to taste)
**Optional:**
- Shrimp (if desired)
- Hot dogs (sliced)
- Kibasa or kabasa sausage (sliced)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Eggs and Spaghetti Water**
- Boil the eggs until cooked through.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil, adding a pinch of salt and a splash of extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. **Blend the Vegetables**
- Chop the habanero pepper, bell pepper, onion, and garlic.
- Blend these ingredients together with the Vita cube until smooth. Set aside.
3. **Prep the Sausages and Shrimp**
- Slice the kibasa or kabasa sausage and hot dogs (if using).
- If using shrimp, clean and prepare them.
4. **Cook the Sauce**
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
- Once hot, add the blended vegetable mixture and sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, a bit of water, and seasonings (black pepper, adobo).
- Add the sliced sausages and shrimp, mixing well. Cover and let simmer for about 7 minutes.
5. **Cook the Spaghetti**
- Once the water is boiling, break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot.
- Cook until al dente, then drain.
6. **Combine Spaghetti and Sauce**
- Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Ensure the sauce is not too dry; it should be slightly saucy.
7. **Add Boiled Eggs**
- Peel the boiled eggs and cut them into halves or quarters.
- Gently fold them into the spaghetti and sauce mixture.
8. **Final Touches**
- Turn off the heat and let the dish sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
🍽️ How to Serve
Serve the Liberian style spaghetti hot, garnished with additional sliced peppers or herbs if desired. It pairs well with a side of fried plantains or a fresh salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences; you can mix and match proteins and vegetables.
- For a spicier dish, add more habanero or a dash of hot sauce.
🔥 Why You’ll Love This
Liberian style spaghetti is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors and cultures. It's easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy the rich taste and the warmth it brings to your table!
